ting in her stores Peter enjoyed the company of
his friend, and with renewed spirits and hopes he sailed on his voyage.

The beautiful island of Otaheite and several others were visited. He
then, according to his order, sailed northward, to call at the Sandwich
Islands, thence to proceed to Japan and through the Indian Seas round
the Cape of Good Hope homewards.

Calm as the Pacific is at times, fearful gales sweep across it. To one
of these the _Edgar_ was exposed for several days, and Peter had to
exert all his skill and seamanship to preserve his ship. He did his
best, and putting his trust in God, sought His protection. The gale had
driven the ship considerably out of her course. For some days no
observation could be taken; an anxious look-out was kept, for coral
reefs and islands were near at hand, and with little warning the ship
might be driven on one of them.

The night was unusually dark. Peter and his mates had never left the
deck. Just as morning was about to break a cry was heard of "Land! on
the lee bow!" The ship was put about, and scarcely had she come round
when breakers were seen rising in a foaming wall astern.

CHAPTER NINE.

A STRANGE DISCOVERY.

As the day dawned an island, covered with the richest vegetation,
appeared rising to a considerable height, with a calm lagoon between it
and the circling reef. A tempting passage was also seen leading from
the stormy ocean into the lagoon.

One of the natives coming aft said that he knew it well. It was his
native island, and he offered to pilot in the ship. Should the gale
increase, the danger of attempting to beat off that lee shore would be
great. Peter therefore at once accepted the offer. The _Edgar_ was
headed in for the lagoon. The foaming breakers roared upon either side
as she shot between them, and in another minute she was gliding calmly
over the smooth water of the lagoon. Piloted by the native in a short
time she brought up in a beautiful bay, where she might ride securely.

Scarcely had she dropped her anchor when several canoes paddled
alongside. The native hailed one of them, and the people in her came on
board. They were soon affectionately greeting him, while the rest of
the crew were engaged in buying fruits and vegetables and various
articles which the others had brought.

In a short time he came aft to Captain Gray. The information he gave
was satisfactory. When he had left the island the people had been